DR. AMBEDKAR AND THE HINDU CODE BILL 525
happy with the family. A similar belief in at a son is desirable is also prevalent amongst the Indian Muslims in Bengal.
Mr. Tajamul Husain : I want to put a question for my information and for the information of other honourable Members. I understand that a Hindu father must have a son for his own salvation. Does a Hindu mother also require a son for her salvation ? If she does, she should have the right of polyandry.
Mr. Speaker : We may have a fund of information outside the House. In the House, let us continue ourselves to the Hindu Code.
Mr. Naziruddin Ahmad : I submit, therefore that polygamy is not as dangerous as it is supposed to be in point of view of abstract logic and abstract legislation. It has got to be considered in a particular context. If there is a desire on the part of a Hindu husband to have a child and for that purpose to marry again, and if he cannot do so for the existence of the first wife it may lead to divorce proceedings. The provision of monogamy and the prevention of a second wife during the lifetime of the first wife or during the existence of the marriage with the first wife may lead to divorces. We must not think it to be fanciful. In fact this has happened even in European countries in our history. Napoleon Bonaparte married a loving wife, Josephine. He had no children and Napoleon wanted a heir to the throne of the vast empire which he created by his own genius and what did he do ? He divorced the first wife, although his love for her was intense, but the desire for a son and the perpetuation of the family got the better of him and he married a Princess and he thought by that princely alliance with the Princess of Austria he would consolidate his power for ever and he would be happy with both. This is a historical example.
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : What happened to Napoleon ?
Mr. Naziruddin Ahmad : He died in St. Helena—an unhappy man.
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : If he had not desired the founding of an empire, he would have lived otherwise.
Mr. Naziruddin Ahmad : Sir, This is an example from history. If a Hindu is prevented from marrying for the purpose of a son, if he thinks that a son is necessary, and if he believes his wife would not give him the son, then he would think of some evasion. He will in many cases enter into a morganatic marriage. Can you prevent a man from entering into a morganatic marriage or to commit a technical